Cardamom

Cardamom is a pungent and astringent spice used primarily in Indian spice blends, in Scandinavian sweets, and in Arab countries, where it is sometimes used to flavor coffee. It's most commonly sold ground, but is also available in pale white or green whole pods, which have a stronger flavor. Also, sometimes Indian markets sell the seeds already removed from the pods. To use whole cardamom, remove the seeds from the pods and grind them in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Or, if adding cardamom to a soup or stew, lightly crush the pods with the back of a knife and add them to the pot. But use a light hand—the flavor of cardamom is very distinct, and can quickly take over a dish.